Dominique Ansel Bakery Closed for ‘Hundreds of Mice Droppings’

Media darling stays shut after inspection

We were grossed out last week when Dominique Ansel’s eponymous bakery was shuttered for health violations.

In our heart of hearts, we thought that it wasn’t really a health hazard to eat a cronut (save the fat content) and most likely, the Department of Health just closed the SoHo bakery’s doors to cut the line.

Sure there was that video of a mouse scampering about the kitchen. There was a citation for “evidence of live mice present” in October too, but the bakery still earned an A rating.

Then we read this tidbit on Gothamist: “What made the infestation severe was that the health inspector found several hundred mouse droppings.”

A rep for the bakery tried to downplay the data, emphasizing the difference between a mouse infestation and hundreds of mouse droppings:

“We’re of course deeply apologetic to hear there were mice droppings found. It is something that came as a shock and disappointment to us as we have regular deep cleaning scheduled. We worked tirelessly to develop a permanent upgrade, including a full re-cementing and refurbishment to provide a pristine environment for our customers and staff. All our kitchens are opened so people can see the entire food preparation process in full view and our commitment to quality and cleanliness. Please note that none of the mice droppings were found in our kitchen areas where food preparation is done. And there were ZERO mice or any rodents found by the DOH.”

Maybe we’re inexperienced with the digestive systems of rodents, but doesn’t it take a significant amount of mice to poop that much?